Hypothetical Mobile App Design
The BirthNet App
Supporting moms needs from fertility to parenting

Hypothetical Mobile App Design
The BirthNet App
Supporting moms needs from fertility
to parenting

Hypothetical Mobile App Design
The BirthNet App
Supporting moms needs from fertility to parenting

Discipline
User Research Product Design Interaction Design Product Thinking

Discipline
User Research Product Design Interaction Design Product Thinking

Discipline
User Research Product Design Interaction Design Product Thinking

Timeline
4 weeks

Timeline
4 weeks

Timeline
4 weeks

Tools
Figma, Zoom, Google Forms, Maze, Illustrator, & Photoshop

Tools
Figma, Zoom, Google Forms, Maze, Illustrator, & Photoshop

Tools
Figma, Zoom, Google Forms, Maze, Illustrator, & Photoshop

My Role
Sole Product & Visual Designer
UX Researcher

My Role
Sole Product & Visual Designer
UX Researcher

My Role
Sole Product & Visual Designer
UX Researcher

Final Prototype

Final Prototype

Final Prototype

Discovering an Opportunity (make action oriented)

Birth Networks: Promote awareness and availability of Mother-Friendly maternity care by providing families with birth and postpartum resources. (Remove this definition)

Although numerous pregnancy and birth apps exist, none offer a comprehensive solution (need to reframe story and explain none offer a 1 stop shop). While expecting, I discovered a birth network which provides families with birth and postpartum resources, (need to fix this area to include the definition) which provided valuable resources, events, and a supportive community for a first-time mother.

I later learned that such networks existed nationwide, but they didn't seem interconnected. Given the concerns and limited resources shared among new mothers and friends, these networks were untapped potential waiting to be united. I propose designing a comprehensive app for the iOS platform to address this need. need to rethink this section, like explain my perspective because theres assumptions being made that might not be true. Make it into one paragraph

Birth Networks: Promote awareness and availability of Mother-Friendly maternity care by providing families with birth and postpartum resources. (Remove this definition)

Although numerous pregnancy and birth apps exist, none offer a comprehensive solution (need to reframe story and explain none offer a 1 stop shop). While expecting, I discovered a birth network which provides families with birth and postpartum resources, (need to fix this area to include the definition) which provided valuable resources, events, and a supportive community for a first-time mother.

I later learned that such networks existed nationwide, but they didn't seem interconnected. Given the concerns and limited resources shared among new mothers and friends, these networks were untapped potential waiting to be united. I propose designing a comprehensive app for the iOS platform to address this need. need to rethink this section, like explain my perspective because theres assumptions being made that might not be true. Make it into one paragraph

The BirthNet aids in assisting mothers from conception to child-rearing through linking them with experts, a nurturing community, and useful resources. The application will additionally incorporate partners championing for moms. Ultimately, this app will evolve into a central hub for all essentials catering to mothers and parents. Make it it's own section or maybe remove if it's already explained.

The BirthNet aids in assisting mothers from conception to child-rearing through linking them with experts, a nurturing community, and useful resources. The application will additionally incorporate partners championing for moms. Ultimately, this app will evolve into a central hub for all essentials catering to mothers and parents. Make it it's own section or maybe remove if it's already explained.

Researching the Space

Researching the Space

As this project stemmed from my personal curiosity, I sought to bridge the gap by consolidating various networks and resources into a single hub. (don't need this 1st paragraph)

After conducting external research and analyzing competitors, I discovered that most pregnancy apps offer similar features, such as courses, resources, and a community platform. While there are numerous "birth networks" sites for individual states, there is no app that connects them all. Additionally, none of the apps offer maternal resources on a state-by-state basis.

This prompted me to consider important questions that I needed to discover in my research process.

After conducting external research, digging up competitive analysis and 1:1 interviews with patrons, I uncovered some key answers.

  1. What purpose does this service serve in people's lives?

  2. What might prevent a user from utilizing this app?

  3. What are the crucial aspects for users when engaging with this app?

  4. Which features do users consider most vital? (use these questions to make it more narrative. Don't need to list)

  1. What purpose does this service serve in people's lives?

  2. What might prevent a user from utilizing this app?

  3. What are the crucial aspects for users when engaging with this app?

  4. Which features do users consider most vital? (use these questions to make it more narrative. Don't need to list)

  1. What purpose does this service serve in people's lives?

  2. What might prevent a user from utilizing this app?

  3. What are the crucial aspects for users when engaging with this app?

  4. Which features do users consider most vital? (use these questions to make it more narrative. Don't need to list)

Starting with a survey of 16 participants, I aimed to uncover their basic understanding of birth networks and their familiarity with the services offered.

After conducting external research, digging up competitive analysis and 1:1 interviews with patrons, I uncovered some key answers.

Starting with a survey of 16 participants, I aimed to uncover their basic understanding of birth networks and their familiarity with the services offered.

14 of 16 individuals were unfamiliar with birth networks prior to their pregnancies

14 of 16 individuals were unfamiliar with birth networks prior to their pregnancies

All 16 participants mentioned utilizing apps, websites, or social media for assistance during their journey. Most of them found these tools beneficial

All 16 participants mentioned utilizing apps, websites, or social media for assistance during their journey. Most of them found these tools beneficial

All 16 participants mentioned utilizing apps, websites, or social media for assistance during their journey. Most of them found these tools beneficial

12 out of 16 participants experienced challenges locating pregnancy-focused materials, feeling swamped occasionally

12 out of 16 participants experienced challenges locating pregnancy-focused materials, feeling swamped occasionally

Successes
Expectant mothers rely on pregnancy apps to assist them throughout their pregnancy journey and appreciate their ability to provide prompt and useful answers.
Successes
Expectant mothers rely on pregnancy apps to assist them throughout their pregnancy journey and appreciate their ability to provide prompt and useful answers.
Struggles
Issues that individuals encounter while using these applications and websites involve insufficient detailed data about pregnancy and targeted promotions that provoke anxiety. (this is great for the presentation, but for portfolio can fold in the success and struggles)

One interviewee remarked that it can be “Very overwhelming, as there’s a vast amount of information available, making it difficult to distinguish opinions from genuine scientific knowledge.” (may not need, will need to revaluate and can make persona it's own section)


> Link to user research plan

> Link to competitive analysis

From the poll, several participants agreed to support my research. I held 1:1 interviews to obtain personal experiences they were willing to share. The information I gathered, I formulated a persona on the patterns I was finding with each story and experience.

One interviewee remarked that it can be “Very overwhelming, as there’s a vast amount of information available, making it difficult to distinguish opinions from genuine scientific knowledge.” (may not need, will need to revaluate and can make persona it's own section)


> Link to user research plan

> Link to competitive analysis

From the poll, several participants agreed to support my research. I held 1:1 interviews to obtain personal experiences they were willing to share. The information I gathered, I formulated a persona on the patterns I was finding with each story and experience.

The Blueprint (headlines give the viewer insight to the content think of a storybook)

The Blueprint (headlines give the viewer insight to the content think of a storybook)

The Blueprint (headlines give the viewer insight to the content think of a storybook)

Upon analyzing the data, I observed from my user surveys and 1:1 interviews that mothers tended to seek out apps tailored to pregnancy stages, as the relevant information differs for each stage. This informed my decision to develop a product roadmap highlighting the app's main priorities.

After developing a roadmap plan, I focused on identifying categories for the app's navigation. Through a card sorting process, I crafted a tentative site map that needed user testing.

14 of 16 individuals were unfamiliar with birth networks prior to their pregnancies

14 of 16 individuals were unfamiliar with birth networks prior to their pregnancies

All 16 participants mentioned utilizing apps, websites, or social media for assistance during their journey. Most of them found these tools beneficial

All 16 participants mentioned utilizing apps, websites, or social media for assistance during their journey. Most of them found these tools beneficial

All 16 participants mentioned utilizing apps, websites, or social media for assistance during their journey. Most of them found these tools beneficial

12 out of 16 participants experienced challenges locating pregnancy-focused materials, feeling swamped occasionally

12 out of 16 participants experienced challenges locating pregnancy-focused materials, feeling swamped occasionally

Molding the Product (use "ing" endings)

Starting sketches of key screens, I consulted the results from my pattern & UI study. I discovered the onboarding process to be crucial in connecting users to local groups and relevant information according to their pregnancy stage. Some primary aspects I emphasized on during wireframing included the onboarding.


> Link to pattern & UI analysis

Beginning sketches of some of the main screens, I referenced the findings from my pattern & UI research. I found the onboarding process was pretty essential in setting the users up with connecting to a local groups or pertinent information based on the stage of pregnancy. Some of the main areas I focused on in my wireframing were the onboarding.


> Link to pattern
& UI analysis

Conceptualizing the Brand

Utilizing my design pattern and user interface analysis, I drafted low-fidelity wireframes for the primary screens. These screens serve as my initial step in visualizing and documenting my thoughts on the app's desired functionality.

Mood board & Logo

After creating a mood board and analyzing competition, I began designing the UI elements that would serve as the framework for all of my designs.

For the logo, I wanted to play with the letter “B” to create recognizable visual to associate with pregnancy. Once I got the shape of the B, I flipped and reversed the B to connect the idea of a network/connection.  

The color palette was going to have cool and warm tones, but lean more towards a calm lavender hues. All the colors fall within the accessibility ranges. 


Wireframes

My HiFi wireframes show the main ideas I wanted to get across based on my roadmap, to aid in building out the the prototype to test. 

There were some iterations from the original, like accessibility or contrast issues. 


Original

Final

UI Kit
(click image to view file)


The vision for the app was to emote a sense of calm and trustworthiness with a touch of warmth. My color palette & fonts lend to that experience. 

I wanted the main buttons and cards to have a subtle tint of the lavender color for a soft finish. The graphic elements I used are flowers to signify growth. 

Testing & Iterations

Unmoderated Usability Testing

Objective

  • Uncover if there are design inconsistencies and usability problems 

  • Test overall flow and ease of navigation 

  • Test the proposed app for credibility

  • Learn about the user’s behaviors and preferences. Are there any points of confusion, difficulty, or hesitation?

  • Find opportunities to improve the design

  • Test the flow of the app and ease of connecting with a professional


Methodology

  • Conducting a usability test through Maze to test my product. Will collect satisfaction assessment, and suggestions for improvements

  •  Quantitative usability testing


Goal

Have participants complete the tasks without error or confusion. Evaluate participants' feedback to iterate any areas that had pain points. Get feedback on the overall design and flow of the app. 

Educational Onboarding

After conducting my usability tests, I created an affinity map with key insights, behaviors, and findings during the tests. 

100% of participants completed the proposed tasks.  All participants commented on the credibility and professional look, complimenting the design in flow of the app.


Successes

“I love the design, it is really calming, and I love the imagery. I would feel that this is a credible app because I can see there are member spotlights, reviews, events, and recently active groups that I can note that this app is active with things that I can partake in as a user."
Pain Points

On the community screen - “Score of 3, I am unsure of what the top card is supposed to be; is it a suggested group, what the page is currently on, or a recently viewed? The code of ethics is also ambiguous."

Improvements

On the onboarding question - “I like that it tells you where you are in the steps and that you can go back to correct any of your answers, however is there any option to skip the questions?”

Insights

Revised Prototype

Based on feedback the users provided and the heat map of where there were misclicks, I prioritized these key changes:

  • Quantitative usability testing

  • Changed the onboarding screen a little to have a more fluid process with less misclicks

  • Enlarged the home screen buttons and icons

  • Added in user options for skipping some of the onboarding screens

  • Edited the Community page to include a disclaimer for the Code of Ethics.

Specifics


  • A user had some confusions on the Community tab, where the top group “Baby Products” wasn’t identified as anything like recent views or a suggested group.

  • It was also mentioned that “Code of Ethics” was ambiguous, so that needed to be remedy with a disclaimer.

Specifics


  • A user had some confusions on the Community tab, where the top group “Baby Products” wasn’t identified as anything like recent views or a suggested group.

  • It was also mentioned that “Code of Ethics” was ambiguous, so that needed to be remedy with a disclaimer.

Specifics


  • A user had some confusions on the Community tab, where the top group “Baby Products” wasn’t identified as anything like recent views or a suggested group.

  • It was also mentioned that “Code of Ethics” was ambiguous, so that needed to be remedy with a disclaimer.

Specifics


  • Added in a “Skip” option for users to bypass questions.

  • To help with the onboarding, I made slight changes in the highlighting of the date text with each tap of the screen.

Specifics


  • Added in a “Skip” option for users to bypass questions.

  • To help with the onboarding, I made slight changes in the highlighting of the date text with each tap of the screen.

Specifics


  • Added in a “Skip” option for users to bypass questions.

  • To help with the onboarding, I made slight changes in the highlighting of the date text with each tap of the screen.

Specifics


  • Through my user testing, it was mentioned that it made more sense for the user to have the sign up screen before the onboarding questions. The transition from the Welcome screen to the Sign Up screen flows better in terms of the content being more consistent.

Specifics


  • Through my user testing, it was mentioned that it made more sense for the user to have the sign up screen before the onboarding questions. The transition from the Welcome screen to the Sign Up screen flows better in terms of the content being more consistent.

Specifics


  • Through my user testing, it was mentioned that it made more sense for the user to have the sign up screen before the onboarding questions. The transition from the Welcome screen to the Sign Up screen flows better in terms of the content being more consistent.

Reflection

Reflection

Reflection

Takeaways:

Overall positive feedback from the users on the proposed app. As the sole designer on this project, I executed the design process end-to-end, from research to implementation, with input and support from my mentor. This forced me to be self-sufficient and agile, relying on insights from users to guide me through further iterations. 

Next Steps:

Next steps in this project would be to test the updates with a new group of users to see if additional insights could be discovered. 

View final Case Study

final Prototype

© 2024 Designed by Camille Gillman in Framer. All rights reserved.

© 2024 Designed by Camille Gillman in Framer. All rights reserved.

© 2024 Designed by Camille Gillman in Framer. All rights reserved.